Manchester Road Bridge

A 140km steel footbridge with a 65m ramp. Supported on vertical columns, one of which was a central feature due to forming an illuminated peak above the bridge. The bridge was fabricated in nine sections, with the ramp being fabricated in five sections. Sections were joined using temporary splices initially, which were replaced by welded butt joints during installation.

Using Advance Steel gave my colleagues and I a means to generate a model and associated detail drawings, of a complex structure which we would not have been able to complete using AutoCAD alone. Particularly to the level of accuracy that was achieved. Andrew Pont Draughtsman, Briton Fabricators Ltd

The Challenge • To create a 3D model enabling provision of rolling sketches, fabrication drawings and detailed listings for this large, complex footbridge with varying levels and compound curves. • The interface between ramp and bridge was a significant challenge. The bridge itself sloped at this point as well as being curved in both orientations. The ramp was to incline up to this point and blend in at an angle (not perpendicular to the bridge. • Programs had to be created so that in excess of 6000 plates could be profile cut.

The Solution • Ability to use AutoCAD to plot co-ordinates allowed creation of main beams by converting polylines into 3D steel beams. • Able to create accurate drawings of required parts • Progressing the build of a 3D model ensured intricately positioned beams. Connection plates and bots were then added prior to a clash check • Able to automatically export NC (or .dxf) files using Advance Steel to import directly into profiling software.

User Benefits • The ability to convert AutoCAD lines into 3D steel beams • Automatic exporting of NC files for profiling plates • Production of a viewable 3D model and screen shots of the main model to illustrate various areas to staff